The IPA, Bristol Media and Babbasa were pleased to announce the winner of this year’s Ben Martin Apprentice Award (BMAA) at yesterday’s keynote event. Amongst a high calibre of entries, Marissa Lewis-Peart was unanimously chosen for her energy, passion, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

As part of the competition, Marissa will join Bristol Media and a team of agency professionals at the world’s largest interactive festival, SXSW in Austin, Texas for five days in March. On her return, she will be mentored by several agencies involved in this initiative, who will support her ideas and create opportunities for her in the South West.

Thank you to McCann Bristol, Armadillo, Bray Leino CX, Mentor Digital, Wonderland, Ragdoll, AgencyUK, True Digital, Tallt Ventures, Mr B & Friends, Great State, saintnicks, Six, Halo, Taxi Studio, Zone and Tiny Giant. With so many agencies on board, we are looking to provide work experience and opportunities for the runner-up candidates too.

Andy Reid, Managing Director of McCann Bristol and IPA Chairman for England and Wales commented: “The IPA is delighted to be supporting this award, which engages with and supports our future industry stars. Marissa really shone through in her submission, and this accolade is thoroughly well deserved. It’s great to see so many agencies getting behind this initiative to support her, as she takes her first steps into the creative industry.”

“It’s an honour to have the opportunity of the SXSW apprenticeship. It’s an amazing kick start to my career and I can’t wait to get involved with everything.” Marissa Lewis-Peart, 2018 BMAA winner.

Urfan Ali, Babbasa Advisory Board member commented: “The competition exemplifies Babbasa’s mission to improve social mobility outcomes in Bristol and the SW and to support young people from diverse communities with their professional ambitions. We are very pleased and excited for what comes next for Marissa and I am sure this will inspire many other young people to consider a career in the creative industry.”

#BMAA2018, #SXSW, #diversity